Amid communal tensions in Jodhpur ahead of Eid, a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said it is hoped that various communities will work together and the Indian government and security forces will ensure that everyone can go about their activities, including celebrations of the festival, peacefully.
Tensions gripped Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's hometown hours before Eid on Tuesday, prompting the authorities to suspend mobile internet services and impose a curfew in 10 police stations areas of the city. Rajasthan Minister of State for Home Rajendra Yadav said over 50 people have been arrested in connection with the incident so far.
Several others were also detained in the night.
The chief minister has appealed to people to maintain peace and harmony. He also accused the BJP's central leadership of trying to defame the state government. The Jodhpur deputy commissioner of police issued orders imposing a curfew till May 4 midnight besides suspending mobile internet services.
Tensions broke out past Monday midnight over putting up of Islamic flags on the Jalori gate circle, which led to stone pelting in which five policemen were injured.
The situation was brought under control in the early hours on Tuesday with heavy deployment of police but tensions escalated again in the morning after prayers at an Eidgah.